Hon. Kennedy Njoku , who was elected yesterday as the Speaker of the Abia
state State House of Assembly, has resigned.
Though information about his resignation is still very sketchy as at the
time of filing this report, it was gathered that Njoku’s election may have
not gone well with some stakeholders in the state.
Political stakeholders from Isiala Ngwa bloc where the impeached Speaker,
Martin Azubuike, hails from are said to have been bitter with the election
of Njoku who represents Osisioma Ngwa North constituency.
Njoku’s election meant that the old Obioma Ngwa federal constituency has
produced the governor, Speaker of the State Assembly, Senator for Abia
South and the member representing Obingwa/Osisioma Ngwa/Ugwunagbo federal
constituency.
It was gathered that Okezie Ikpeazu has been engaged in several meetings
since last night trying to calm frayed nerves from Isiala Ngwa federal
constituency who felt betrayed by Azubuike’s impeachment.
Until his impeachment yesterday, Azubuike had survived four impeachment
plots against him spearheaded by son of the former governor and now
majority leader, Chinedum Orji , the deputy Speaker, Cosmas Ndukwe and
deputy majority leader, Solomon Akpulonu, as well as the member for Umuahia
East, Chukwudi Apugo, as allies.
Pointblanknews.com learnt that Governor Ikpeazu had preferred Chikwendu
Kalu representing Isiala Ngwa South constituency as Azubuike’s replacement
but a cabal led by Chinedum Orji, was alleged to have chosen to elect
Njoku who as one of their own.
According to a PDP member of the Assembly who spoke to Pointblanknews.com
on the condition of anonymity, “The governor had to intervene after anger
arose from the Isiala Ngwa bloc over the loss of the speakership position.
At one of the several midnight meetings convened after a burial at the
governor’s village yesterday, it was agreed that the stakeholders should
reach out to the new speaker, Njoku to resign his position for peace to
reign. Chikwendu Kalu was chosen as the new speaker. There would have been
crisis If Njoku had insisted on remaining speaker. ”
Rumours are rife in Abia political circles that the crisis in the
leadership of the Assembly may not be unconnected with an alleged
Speakership ambition of the son of the former governor, Theodore Orji and
now, Majority Leader of the House, Chinedum Orji who is believed to be the
man behind Azubuike’s impeachment.
A greater majority of politicians in Abia state, including members of the
PDP believe that it is only a matter of time before the younger Orji takes